Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Lord, bless me with understanding and clarity. Open me to your message and love.

We continue to accompany Paul on his journey of joy. Following his Damascus Road conversion, Paul’s entire life was given to his mission to spread the name of Jesus as far as he could and to as many people as he could. This was no vacation trip. He did not have to worry about whether he had tooth paste in his carry-on or the price of gas. He walked and he walked. It must have been frustrating for him to spend so much time getting from one place to another. Time he must have considered wasted. I travel a great deal and I know how frustrating it can be to just sit. I imagine Paul would have made great use of a mobile phone or blackberry.

But maybe it was during these long walks that Paul received his motivation and his energy. Maybe this is when he talked to God and received his instructions. I have found great comfort and relief in those moments of prayer in an airplane or standing in a security line when I can say my silent prayers and focus on what is important.

Paul was not allowed to preach in Asia. I am sure there is a reason for this though I do not know that reason. He was so instructed by the Holy Spirit; maybe on one of his long walks. He did however receive very clear instructions via a vision to go to Macedonia to help the people there. He did not question, he just went – on another long walk.

There was no concern about their next meal or where they would sleep. We read of where Paul spoke to a group of women. One of whom helped Paul in spreading the good news. After the baptism of her and her family, she took Paul into her home. This story is told over and over. Though Paul must have experienced considerable physical pain and frustration on this journey, he was bringing joy and great comfort to the people he met. This was his mission; to feed the hungry with spiritual food. It truly was a journey of joy.